Encoding and decoding data in an image for social networking communication

ABSTRACT

A printed medium comprises an encoded image, the encoded image including a value encoded therein, wherein the value is referenced to at least a marketing database and an associated social networking environment and wherein the value further enables communication through the social networking environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Priority and Related Applications

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/627,967 filed Jan.27, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/762,914 entitled “Encoding and Decoding Data in an Image,” filed Jan.27, 2006, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/763,026 entitled“Images and Methods for Product or Service Marketing” filed on Jan. 27,2006, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates, in general, to images encoded with data.

BACKGROUND

One and two dimensional bar codes have been developed as machinereadable representations of information primarily for use in packaging,price tags and inventory control. However, the components of the barcode elements, either in part or in whole, restrict the creativegraphical design of the bar code. For example, two dimensional bar codesgenerally store information along the height as well as the length of asymbol as a series of black and white squares within a grid.Accordingly, variation within the grid is limited to rearrangement ofthe black and white squares.

As recognized by the present inventors, what is needed is a graphicallybased image or icon that can serve as a link from physical material orvisual displays to electronic data. It is against this background thatthe various embodiments of the present invention were developed.

SUMMARY

According to one broad aspect of one embodiment of the presentinvention, disclosed herein is a method for encoding an image with data.The encoded image may be used for a variety of purposes, including formarketing, social network, or other purposes as disclosed herein. In oneembodiment, the method of encoding uses a primary image and a secondaryimage, the secondary image selectively oriented or positioned inrelation to the primary image based on the numeric value or a portion ofthe numeric value.

In one example, a primary image may be a graphic such as a logo having aset of coordinates that originate from a predefined origin, where thecoordinates further define a 0° axis. A secondary image may beselectively oriented in relation to the primary image. A numeric valuemay be determined from the position of the secondary image in relationto the coordinates of the primary image.

In another embodiment, an encoded image encoded with a value comprises afirst image that defines an origin and one or more shapes selectivelypositioned in reference to the origin The position of the one or moreshapes in relation to the origin defines the value.

In another embodiment, a value comprising digits or alphanumericcharacters is encoded into an image. In this method, a reference graphis formed by positioning a series of concentric shapes in reference toan origin according to the number of digits or characters in the valueto be encoded. The position of the shapes in the reference graph is usedto form an encoded image using the value to be encoded.

In another embodiment, an encoded image can be decoded to extract avalue by using the encoded image to identify reference graph, comparingthe reference graph to the encoded image, and extracting the value fromthe encoded image based on the comparison with the reference graph. Thevalue extracted from the image can be then used, in conjunction with alookup table, to retrieve additional information linked to the value. Inthis way, the encoded image can be used to direct a user who capturesthe encoded image on a device such as a camera cell phone, to otherinformation or websites.

In one embodiment, the encoded image may be used as a link to retrievedata. In this embodiment, the encoded image may be affixed to a medium,digitized and wirelessly transmitted to a designated website. Thedigitized image is processed to decode the image and extract an encodedvalue. This value is used to identify the associated information, forexample, by referencing a look up table.

Embodiments of this invention may be used to establish electronicconnections between a consumer with a mobile camera phone and a merchantthrough the use of encoded images disclosed herein. A merchant orcompany interested in promoting its products or services may create awireless connection or link between its print advertising or otherpromotional mediums to additional information that can be instantlydisplayed on the user's cell phone. Digital images and the ability todecode an encoded image in a real time basis can allow a merchant toenhance its advertising or promotional investment by creating a nearlyinstantaneous link between the physical world of print mediums and theelectronic world via a mobile camera phone.

Conversely, embodiments of the invention may be used to establish anelectronic communication between an individual possessing an encodedimage (in either electronic or physical form, such as a personalidentification encoded image on a medium such as a ID card) and amerchant or company who establishes a link to itself via an input devicesuch as a digital camera connected to a communication network as apartof a promotion or offer. In this embodiment, the encoded image is in thepossession of the consumer and the input device is provided by themerchant or company seeking consumer participation in a product orservice promotion or offer.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be used to promote socialnetworking, wherein individuals can use encoded images to conveypersonal information to other individuals.

The features, utilities and advantages of the various embodiments of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, is an example of an encoded image according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of the reference coordinates of the encoded imageas shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an example of an encoded image according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of reference graph having concentric shapes,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of the reference graph of FIG. 4 showing radialcoordinates, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example operations for encoding datato form an encoded image, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a reference graph showing the radial coordinatevalues for the concentric circles according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is an example of an encoded image based on the reference graph inFIG. 7, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of a reference graph showing two sets of radialcoordinates based on different angular coordinates theta according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an example of a reference graph scaled off of the referencegraph shown in FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an example showing the encoded graph from FIG. 3 and thereference graph of FIG. 9 to illustrate calculation of the radialdifferences according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12A is an example of a reference graph according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 12B is an example of a segment of an encoded graph based on thereference graph of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is an example of a segment of the encoded graph shown in FIG.12B based on the reference graph of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is an example of a reference graph having concentric squaresaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B is an example of an encoded image based on the reference graphof FIG. 13A according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13C is an example of a reference graph having concentric polygonsaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13D is an example of an encoded image based on the reference graphof FIG. 13C according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13E is an example of a reference graph having non-linear linespositioned in reference to the origin according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13F is an example of an encoded image based on the reference graphof FIG. 13E according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting an example of a method of decoding anencoded image according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is an example of an encoded image according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting an example of a method for informationexchange between merchants and consumer using an encoded image accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is an example of an advertisement showing an encoded imageaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is an example of data lookup table according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 19 is an example of a tracking table according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart depicting an example of a method for person toperson information exchange using an encoded image according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of encoded images, methods forencoding data into an image to form an encoded image, methods fordecoding an encoded image to extract data therefrom, and methods to useencoded images for a variety of uses.

As described herein, an image may be encoded with data to form anencoded image or encoded symbol, and the encoded image may beincorporated into a print advertising or other medium that can bedigitized or captured with a mobile camera phone or other electronicdevice. The captured encoded image may be communicated through wirelesscommunication protocols, decoded, and linked to a database containinginformation associated with the encoded image. In this way, an encodedimage can be used by a company in a print advertisement or other media,and the company can link the encoded image to other information (such asweb site pages). When a user/customer/consumer captures the encodedimage in the user's mobile device (such as a cell phone with a digitalcamera), the encoded image can be used to automatically direct theuser's cell phone to the additional information set up by the company(i.e., the user's cell phone could be automatically loaded with ordirected to photos, data, web pages or other information from thecompany). For instance, consumers could obtain (for customers on theirmobile phone) more information or initiate transactions that are linkedto the encoded image.

As described herein, an encoded image can be encoded to contain a uniquevalue, such as a numeric value, so that a plurality of unique encodedimages can be formed, each encoded with a different and unique value.Thus, a unique graphical encoded image may be associated with—forexample, a particular advertisement, web site, marketing program,corporate promotion, product promotion, sweepstakes, etc.—and when theencoded image is decoded, the unique data or value is extracted from theencoded image and can be processed for whatever purpose the encodedimage is being used. In this manner, encoded images can be formed thathave a similar overall appearance although each image actually containsunique encoded data. In one embodiment, a method is provided to utilizea reference image database and digital image analysis to locate, map andmeasure encoded images to decode the data set embedded therein.

For example, the encoded image may be electronically linked orreferenced to a mobile marketing campaign database to provide a userwith instant retrieval of specifics related to an advertising campaignor other promotional program. The campaign database may further beaccessible by companies or advertisers to manage marketing campaigns.

Encoded images could also be used by individuals to create andfacilitate business and social networking, communications andrelationships through their encoded image. A person could create orobtain an encoded image, and that person could link the encoded image toother information (such as personal web site pages). When the person anda second person are meeting or socializing, the second person couldcapture the encoded image in the second person's mobile device (such asa cell phone with a digital camera), and the encoded image can be usedto automatically direct the second person's cell phone to the additionalinformation set up by the first person the second person's cell phonecould be automatically loaded with or directed to personal information,photos, data, web pages or other information from the first person).

Embodiments of the invention may be used to create various and numerousunique encoded images with numeric values or codes. With the unaidedeye, the encoded images can appear very similar and may appear virtuallyindistinguishable one from another. When an encoded image is digitizedby person's digital camera (i.e., in a cell phone) and processed, aunique code or value stored in the encoded image is determined.

An encoded image can symbolize a link to the Internet/web and can beused to communicate to a customer that the image is in fact encoded andcan be captured through the use of a mobile digital camera device or thelike and sent wirelessly to a web site or other location for decoding,analysis and follow-on response from an advertiser or other party.

In one embodiment, the encoded image can be used on a printed mediumsuch as a product brochure, product label, printed advertisement, a tag,and on other items or with other uses as disclosed herein. An encodedimage can be implemented as a small mark that can create a uniqueidentity for a print medium with minimal disruption of the advertiser'smessage. This is in contrast with conventional encoding methods such aslinear and 2-D bar coding which can be perceived by customers as autilitarian coding mechanism.

EXAMPLES OF ENCODED IMAGES

FIGS. 1-2, 3, 15 and others illustrate various examples of encodedimages, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In FIGS. 1-2, an encoded image 30 has a primary image 32 (also referredto herein as an anchor image) and one or more secondary images 34. Inone example, the position of the secondary image 34 relative to theprimary image 32 can be used to encode data in the encoded image 30. Theprimary image 32 could take many different forms, such as but notlimited to a logo, symbol, identifiable image, photo, person's initials,trademark, corporate symbol, product image, or the like. The secondaryimage 34 could also take many different forms, for instance thesecondary image 34 could be an image that is thematically or creativelyrelated to the primary image, if desired.

If desired, in FIG. 1, the color, size, shape, rotation or othercharacteristic of the primary image 32 or secondary image 34 may also beused to encode data.

The primary image 32 may include an identifiable mark, an identityimage, or anchor image. The primary image may be used as an index intoan image database containing numerous different identifiable marks.

In some embodiments, the secondary image 34 may be an image that conveysto the consumer that the encoded image on the print medium can beelectronically linked via a mobile camera phone or similar wirelessimage capturing device, to the internet or other wireless communicationnetwork such as the cellular phone network. The secondary image may beused during decoding to reference the encoded image to a referenceimage. The secondary image can be an already recognizable symbol such asa logo or product image or other image, if desired, or it can be auniquely encoded image as well.

The encoded image 30 is captured/digitized and sent to a specificdestination (i.e., computer capable of decoding the image). The primaryimage 32 may be compared to the images stored in a reference imagedatabase, and if a match is determined, then one or more actionableoperations may be initiated. For instance, the primary image may beassociated with a particular web site associated with a company,advertiser, or individual.

The position, size, orientation, type or color of secondary image(s) 34relative to the primary image 32 may also be used to decode the encodedimage 30. For instance, the angle 36 at which the secondary image 34 ispositioned relative to the primary image may be used to encode data. Ifmultiple secondary images are used, the angle at which the secondaryimages are positioned relative to the primary image may be used toencode sets of data, for instance, portions of a value that whenconcatenated after decoding, can be used to reconstruct the data valueencoded in the encoded image 30.

For example, a product logo, brand name, graphic design or any otherimage can be used as the primary/anchor image 32 which can be usedduring the decoding to identify a reference graph to decode the encodedimage 30. The secondary image(s) 34 may also be encoded, if desired, forinstance through numerous inherent variables and/or variables relativeto the anchor image 32.

In this example, the “LOGO” text and surrounding ellipse (the ellipse isoptional and provided only as an example) are an example of an anchorimage or primary image 32 and can be used to specify the reference graphduring decoding. In this example, one secondary image 34 is shown;however, multiple secondary images could be used. During decoding theprimary anchor image 32 of the encoded image 30 could be compared toimages stored in an anchor image or reference image database.

Referring to FIG. 2, in this example, polar coordinates or angularvalues can be used during encoding to encode a value into the encodedimage by positioning the secondary image 34 relative to theanchor/primary image 32. The polar location and/or variouscharacteristics of the secondary image can be used to encode data in theencoded image. The polar location, in this instance, is defined by theangle theta 36 formed by the positioning of the secondary image inreference to the 0° axis 37 defined along the horizontal center 38 ofthe anchor/primary image 32. In one example, the angle 36 defines anumeric value that can be used in a data look up table.

Referring still to FIG. 2, in this example, theta is equal to 34degrees, which may define all or part of the numeric value encoded inthe encoded image 30. A ray 40 can be drawn to extend from the origin 38of the anchor/primary image 32 defined by a predefined point that may belocated at the centroid of the primary image to the midpoint of thesecondary image 34 (or to a predefined origin and/or centroid of thesecondary image). The ray 40 connecting these points can be used todefine the theta angle with respect to the 0° axis 37.

In addition to the variable of theta, various other elements of thesecondary image may be used in conjunction with or as alternatives tothe angle theta as variables to enable the encoding of more digitswithin an encoded image. Examples of these characteristics of thesecondary image 34 can be relative size, theta location, distance fromthe anchor/primary image origin, and/or rotation about its own originrelative to the rotation of the primary image. In addition, numerousvariables inherent in the secondary image can be used to encode numericvalues such as missing and/or added parts of the image, and variouscolored parts.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an encoded image 50 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, an encoded image50 includes a set of concentric shapes 52, wherein the position of theconcentric shapes contains the data value encoded in the encoded image.An encoded image 50 can be incorporated into many different images, suchas (by way of example only) a spider web, sea shells, and any othershape or form, such as concentric shapes or partially concentric shapes.The concentric or partially concentric shapes 52 may be similar in form,but can also vary in form. In one embodiment, an encoded image can be inthe form of any printed shape, figure, logo, or other form.

In this example of FIG. 3, an encoded image 50 may be formed in relationto a reference graph or reference image 54 (these terms are usedinterchangeably herein). The reference graph 54 serves as a base imagethat may be used to form an encoded image 50. The reference graph 54 mayfurther be used to decode the encoded image 50 and extract the dataencoded therein. In one example, during decoding, the encoded image 50is compared against a corresponding reference graph 54 to extract datafrom the encoded image 50.

The reference graph 54 may be based on any number of differentcoordinate systems having known properties or coordinate positions. Theknown coordinate positions of the reference graph are used to encodedata into the encoded image. In one embodiment for example, thereference graph 54 (FIG. 4) may include a series of whole or segmentedadjacent shapes 56 positioned in reference to an origin or measuringpoint 58 of a coordinate system. The value to be encoded (FIG. 3) may bedefined by the positioning of the shapes 52 in reference to thecoordinate system 56.

In order to encode an image (such as in FIG. 3), an encoding process canbe used. In one embodiment, a desired data value, such as a numericvalue, may be encoded into an image by positioning adjacent orconcentric shapes or lines 52 according to each digit within the valueto be encoded. During encoding, the positioning of the shape or line 52is determined by reference to or a comparison to a coordinate system ofa reference graph 54. In one example, the numeric value to be encodedcan be of any number of digits and can hold the value of 0 thru 9 in anyof the digits. For example, a numeric value of X to be encoded can becharacterized as having “n digits”:

X=x_(n) . . . x₃ x₂ x₁ where x₁ the least significant digit, x₂ is inthe tens place, and soon, so thatX=sum((x ₁*10^0), (x ₂*10^1), (x ₁*10^2) . . . (x _(n) *10^( n−1)).

In this way, from a given numeric value to be encoded, a series ofsingle digits can be defined.

Example 1 X=53564

Hence, n=5

x₁=4

x₂=6

x₃=5

x₄=3

x₅=5

In this example, the data to be encoded, X, has 5 digits, which meansthat n is equal to 5. For the numeric value 53564, the series of fivesingle digit numbers is 5-3-5-6-4.

Example 2 X=273

Hence, n=3

x₁=3

x₂=7

x₃=2

In this example there are three digits, so n equals 3, and the series ofdigits is 2-7-3. Accordingly, the digits of 2-7-3 can beembedded/encoded into an image by the positioning of adjacent shapes.

A reference graph 54 (such as FIGS. 4-5) may be created that is based ona coordinate system such as polar coordinates. In other embodiments, areference graph may be created based on other coordinate systems, suchas rectangular coordinates (also know as x-y or Cartesian coordinates),two-dimensional coordinate systems, three-dimensional coordinatesystems, cylindrical, spherical, or other coordinate systems.

In one example, a reference graph 54 may include whole or segments ofconcentric shapes 56, such as circles, hexagons, octagons, or any otherplanar figure or shape that can be centered about a center-point, originor reference point 58. Each concentric shape or portion of a shape 56may be equidistant from the next concentric shape, in one example.

An example of a reference graph 54 based on Cartesian coordinates isshown in FIG. 4. As shown, an x-axis 60 defines the 0° axis and theintersection between the x axis and y axis 62 defines the origin 58. Ingeneral, the reference graph comprises a series of geometric shapes orlines arrayed 56 or positioned at incremental radial distances from theorigin. Simple geometric forms as well as more complex forms may beused. The example in FIG. 4 includes concentric 12-sided polygons ordodecagons 64; other examples may include concentric circles, concentricinverted arcs, or other shapes that are positioned about the origin.These examples illustrate only some of the shapes that can be used forthe reference graph. Other examples could include, for example, anypolygon with congruent sides and interior angles, and any other planarshape or line that has symmetry about the origin.

A reference graph 54 may include any number of concentric shapes, andthe number of concentric shapes may be characterized as “m”.

In one example, the number of digits (n) in the numeric value to beencoded into the image can be used in determining the number ofconcentric shapes (m) for the encoded image. Hence, in one example, mequals or is greater than n.

For a given reference graph, each concentric shape can be represented byR1 thru Rn, where Rn relates to the radial distance from the origin.FIG. 5 shows how the example from FIG. 4 could be labeled. For theexample of FIG. 5, m is equal to 3 because there are three concentricshapes in the example. This means the reference graph could be used toencode values having 3 digits or less, if desired. In order to encode anumeric value having more than 3 digits, additional concentric shapescould be added.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operations for forming an encodedimage, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Atoperation 70, a unique number having a series of digits or characters tobe encoded is obtained. The number to be encoded may be a unique numberso that when the image is decoded, the value extracted from the decodedimage corresponds to a unique value. However, in many applications itmay be useful to utilize a non-unique number when forming the image. Thenumber to be encoded may be expressed in a variety of forms, such as inbase 10, as a digital number (base 2), as a hexadecimal code, or in anyother numeric or alpha numeric manner.

At operation 72, the number of digits or characters in the number to beencoded are counted. For instance, if the value or data to be encoded is“273” then the number of digits in that data to be encoded is 3.

At operation 74, a reference graph or reference image is formed withconcentric shapes, such as the reference graph illustrated in FIGS. 4-5.In one example, the reference graph/image has “m” concentric shapes,such as rings centered or positioned about an origin or central point,and the number of concentric shapes is equal to or greater than thenumber of digits in the value that is to be encoded (from operation 72).

Each concentric shape may be spaced apart, radially, from an adjacentconcentric shape by a known distance. For instance, in one example of areference image, each concentric shape is spaced apart from an adjacentconcentric shape by a normalized value of one.

At operation 76, using the reference graph of operation 74, the value ordata is encoded to form an encoded image. For instance, using the aboveexample for the value “273”, the number of digits for that value isthree. Accordingly, the encoded image comprises three adjacent shapes,each shape having a radial coordinate value based on a digit of thevalue to be encoded.

An example of a reference graph 80 is shown in FIG. 7 having a pluralityof circular concentric shapes.

Another example of an encoded image 82, formed by the method illustratedin FIG. 6, is shown in FIG. 8 which is encoded with the values of 273when compared against a reference image 80 of FIG. 7 (in this example,the concentric shapes 84 are circles, although other concentric shapesmay be used).

Mathematically, one example of the encoding process can be explained bythe following:

A number, X, may be encoded into an image by creating an Encoded Graph,A, that is based on a given Reference Graph, R, using the followingequation:An=Rn+xn/10

where An and Rn are the radial coordinate values for the distancebetween the origin and the point at which the corresponding concentricshapes intersect the radial coordinate for the given theta.

Using the reference graph 80 shown in FIG. 7, (because of the circularconcentric shapes 84, any angle theta can be used) and the numeric valueof 273, the following mathematics can be applied:

Given: X=273

R1=1

R2=2

R3=3

n=3 (3 digits)

x1=3

x2=7

x3=2

Then:An=Rn+xn/10A1=1+3/10=1.3A2=2+7/10=2.7A3=3+2/10=3.2

For concentric shapes having radial distances that vary with a givenangle theta, the reference graph may be scaled up or down to normalizefor these variations. In other words, given reference graph may bescaled, normalized or otherwise adjusted so that at some angle theta,the distance between adjacent concentric shapes is equal to some knownand measurable quantity, such as one. The units of this normalizeddimension between concentric shapes will depend on the implementation,for instance, the distance could be 1 mm, 1 cm, 1 inch, or even somenumber that is not one—such as 0.75 cm, 1.25 mm, etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a reference graph 90 comprising aseries of concentric 12-sided polygons or dodecagons 92. As shown, theradial distance between concentric shapes for an angle theta of 30° isequal to one. However, due to the shape of the polygon, the radialdistance for an angle theta of 45° is equal to 0.97. To account for thisvariation, the reference graph 90 shown in FIG. 9 may be scaled so thatthe distance “r” between each set of concentric shapes for theta equalto 45° equals one as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates scaled radialdifferences 94 for concentric shapes 96 in a reference graph to accountfor the difference in radial distance at an angle theta of 30 and 45.

The encoded image may be scaled up or down in reference to the referencegraph in order to encode a value based on the positioning of concentricshapes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an encoded image 50 based on thereference graph 90 shown in FIG. 9, which is based on polar coordinates,and an encoded value of 273. Referring to FIG. 9, the radial distancefor an angle theta of 30° is 1.0. Accordingly, at theta=30°, R1=1, R2=2and R3=3. Each digit “xn” of the data to be encoded may be encoded byscaling, spacing or positioning a particular concentric shape in theencoded image 50 relative to a respective concentric shape in thereference graph 90. The following equation may be used where the scalingfactor is 10:An=Rn+xn/10

where An and Rn represent the distance between the origin or referencepoint and the point at which the corresponding concentric shapesintersect the radial coordinate for the given theta. This encodingtechnique may be utilized for each digit of the data or value to beencoded. For example, referring to FIG. 9, a reference graph 90 isprovided with concentric shapes 92 that are evenly spaced so that thedistance between adjacent concentric, shapes is equal to 1.0 at an angleof theta of thirty degrees. A value 273 may be encoded (FIG. 3)according to the equation above by spacing the concentric shapes at adistance of 1.3, 2.7 and 3.2 respectively, for the first, second andthird concentric shapes as illustrated in FIG. 3, where x1=3; x2=7; andx3=2.

FIG. 11 illustrates the reference graph 90 shown in FIG. 9 overlaid bythe encoded image 50 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 11, R1 is scaledupwardly so that the difference in distance between the two concentricshapes (reference concentric shape R1 and encoded image concentric shapeA1) along the axis of 30 degrees (theta) for the radial coordinate “r”is equal to x1 divided by 10, which for 273 is the single digit value“3” divided by 10, or 0.3 in this example. R2 is scaled up so that thedifference in distance between the two concentric shapes (referenceconcentric shape R2 and encoded image concentric shape A2) along thegiven the axis of 30 degrees (theta) for the radial coordinate “r” isequal to x2 divided by 10, which for 273 is the single digit value “7”divided by 10, or 0.7 in this example. R3 is scaled up such that thedifference between in distance between the two concentric shapes(reference concentric shape R1 and encoded image concentric shape A1)along the axis of 30 degrees (theta) for the radial coordinate “r” isequal to x3 divided by 10, which for 273 is the single digit value 2divided by 10, or 0.2 in this example.

In another embodiment, a segment of or portion of a reference graph maybe used to encode an encoded image. In another embodiment, a segment orportion of an encoded image may be used as an encoded image. FIG. 12Aillustrates a 360° reference graph 100 based on Cartesian coordinateshaving an x-axis 102, y-axis 104 and center of origin 106. The referencegraph 100 is used to form encoded segments illustrated in FIGS. 12B and12C, respectively. For example, the radial distance “r” in the referencegraph shown in FIG. 12A is known for each concentric shape 108 at anintersection for a given angle theta. That is, for an angle theta, theradial distance values for R1, R2 and R3 are known in the referencegraph 100. FIGS. 12B-C show examples of encoded images 110,112 thatcould be used if desired.

As mentioned above, due to the dynamic nature of the encoding/decodingprocess, any number of different shapes may be used as the referencegraph and consequently, the encoded image.

FIGS. 13A-F illustrate some other examples, meant for illustrativepurposes only and is not meant to be limited to the figures as shownherein. Referring to FIG. 13A there is shown an example of a referencegraph 120 having a series of squares 122 positioned in relation to theorigin. Applying a Cartesian coordinate system for example, eachconsecutive or concentric square 122 in the reference graph 120 of FIG.13A has a known radial distance from the origin for a given angle thetaexample of an encoded image 124 is illustrated in FIG. 13B wherein thepositioning of the concentric squares 126 can represent a value whencompared to the reference graph 120 of FIG. 13A.

Similarly, FIG. 13C illustrates another example of a reference image 130that is a variation of a dodecahedron. In this example, the dodecahedronwill have varying radial distances depending on the angle theta, and thereference graph may be scaled up or down to normalize for thesevariations. An example of an encoded image 140 is illustrated in FIG.13D, wherein the positions of the concentric shapes/lines 142 in theencoded image 140 may represent values of data.

An alternate configuration is presented in FIG. 13E. In this example,the angle theta is defined between the zero degree axis and the radialcoordinate. The reference graph 150 may be scaled up or down tonormalize for the nonlinear variation within the segment, if desired.FIG. 13E illustrates an example of a reference graph, and FIG. 13Fillustrates an example of an encoded image 152, wherein the position ofeach shape or line can be representative of a digit or portion of avalue encoded.

Hence, it can be seen that by providing a reference graph with knownproperties, a value having a plurality of digits or characters may beencoded into an encoded image that is based upon the value and areference graph.

The value encoded into the encoded image may be extracted to obtain dataassociated with the value. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of operationsfor decoding an encoded image, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. At operation 160, an encoded image is received and areference graph or reference image is identified. The reference graphmay be identified from the encoded image itself (i.e., by comparing theencoded image against images in a database using a closest matchalgorithm). At operation 162, the encoded image is compared against areference graph or reference image and differences therebetween aredetermined. At operation 164, the values encoded in the received encodedimage may be extracted on a digit by digit basis from the encoded imagein order to form the decoded value or a precursor to the decoded value.

To decode an encoded image, such as shown in FIG. 8, the encoded imageis compared against a respective reference graph/image and each digit orcharacter of the encoded data may be extracted from the encoded image.

In one example, the radial distance of the first concentric shape in areceived encoded image is compared against the radial distance of thefirst concentric shape in a reference graph, and the difference inradial distance between the concentric shapes is utilized to determine avalue of a digit or character in the received encoded image. Thisprocess may be repeated for the other concentric shapes that are presentin the received encoded image so that each of the digits/charactersencoded in the received encoded image are extracted and the final datavalue may be determined.

FIGS. 7-8 may be used to illustrate an example decoding of an example ofan encoded image. Referring to FIG. 8, for example, the encoded image 82includes three concentric circles 84 positioned in reference to theorigin having radial distance coordinates A1, A2, and A3 having radialdistance values of 1.3, 2.7 and 3.2, respectively. Referring to FIG. 7,the example reference graph 80 has three concentric circles each havingradial distance coordinates R1, R2 and R3 having radial distance valuesof 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Accordingly, using the equation:(An−Rn)10=xn

for the first concentric circle as an example, the value of the lastdigit in the value to be decoded may be determined:(1.3−1)10=3

The process is repeated for each digit in the value. In this way, eachdigit can easily be extracted to yield the value “273”.

At least one reference graph may be selected so that comparison can bemade during the decoding process. Because there can be an unlimitednumber of reference graphs created, the appropriate reference graph isselected to be used for the decoding process. The reference graph can beidentified from the primary image (also referred to herein as the anchorimage). For example, if an encoded image was used with an anchor imagethat was a spider web, this image could be matched to an image locatedin a reference image database. Anchor images may be stored in thedatabase and be associated with a particular reference graph. Based on amatch between the anchor image of an encoded image and an image in thedatabase, the database may provide a respective reference image to beused for decoding the encoded image.

Numerous primary/anchor images could look very similar; however, somevariables can be used to distinguish anchor images from others, such asthe image's color, size, orientation, and/or any visibly distinguishableelement.

In one example, a reference graph for use during decoding can beselected based on the same number and same form of concentric shapes asthe encoded image. For instance, a database of reference graphs (andassociated thetas and r values) can be stored, and an encoded image maybe compared against the reference graphs stored in the database untilthe appropriate reference image is identified.

In some embodiments depending on the implementation, at least one thetaangle may be selected to scale the reference graph and define theangular coordinate from which the radial differences between thereference graph and an encoded message will be measured.

The decoding process can also compare the reference graph(s) to theencoded image to measure the differences in distances at a given thetaangle (i.e., the radial distance between the corresponding concentricshapes of the reference graph and the encoded graph for the given thetacan be measured).

In one example, the encoding process can be reversed in order to serveas the decoding process to extract the numeric values from an encodedimage. Once each of the distances are found between the encodedconcentric shape and the corresponding reference shape, the distancescan be manipulated to calculate the encoded values. For instance and inone example, the differences in distances can be multiplied by 10 togive a single digit number which will be part of the larger numericvalue.

The single digit values, having been extracted from the encoded image,can now be combined to give the resulting numeric value or values ifmultiple reference graphs have been used in the decoding process.

Mathematically, one example of the decoding process can be explained bythe following:

A number, X, is decoded from an Encoded Image, A, using a givenReference Graph, R, and the following equation:

For the given theta, r=Anxn=(An−Rn)*10

Example

Using the reference graph 80 shown in FIG. 7 above, for any theta (sincethe concentric shapes are perfect circles), and using the encoded image82 shown in FIG. 8, the following mathematics can be applied in oneexample:

Given:

Theta=any angle

R1=1

R2=2

R3=3

n=3 (3 digits)

A1=1.3

A2=2.7

A3=3.2

Then:x1=(1.2−1)*10=2x2=(2.7−2)*10=7x3=(3.3—3)*10=3

X=273

Segments or portions of concentric shapes can be used as an encodedimage, used as shown in FIG. 12A-C. Also, many other sets of theconcentric shapes may be used, as shown in FIGS. 13A-F.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of an encoded image 170 having anprimary image 172 and a secondary image 174 positioned adjacent to theprimary image 172 in this example. One or more secondary images may beused and the position of the secondary image 174 relative to the primaryimage 172 can be used to encode data in the encoded image 170, in amanner similar to FIGS. 1-2. In this example, the primary image 172 mayalso be encoded, for instance as described above through the use ofconcentric shapes. If desired, the color, size, shape, rotation or othercharacteristic of the primary image 172 or secondary image 174 may alsobe used to encode data.

In some embodiments, the secondary image 174 may be an image thatconveys to the consumer that the encoded image on the print medium canbe electronically linked via a mobile camera phone or similar wirelessimage capturing device, to the internet or other wireless communicationnetwork such as the cellular phone network. The primary image 172 itselfmay or may not be encoded depending on the implementation. For example,if the primary image is not encoded, then either the adjacent secondaryimage is encoded (i.e., via positioning of the secondary image) or thereare other aspects or characteristics of the secondary image that areencoded.

The primary image 172 and the secondary adjacent image 174 may each bean identifiable mark, depending on the implementation. Further, theprimary image and the secondary adjacent image can be individuallyencoded or in conjunction with one another are relatively encoded.

In FIG. 15, the primary image 172 has a series of concentric shapes 176arrayed about its center in a manner similar to FIG. 3. In order to formthe encoded image of FIG. 15, the primary image 172 could be encodedwith a first value using one or more of the encoding operationspreviously described with reference to FIG. 3. Moreover, encoded image170 could be encoded with a second value, using one or more or theoperations described with reference to FIGS. 1-2. For instance, thesecond value could be encoded by, for instance but not limited to,positioning one or more secondary images 174 relative to the primaryimage, using a particular color of the secondary image, using aparticular size of the secondary image, or rotating the secondary image.Hence, multiple values can be encoded to form an encoded image, whereinthe multiple values are encoded using different encoding techniques.

It can be seen that embodiments of the present invention can be used toencode and decode data/numeric values into graphic images.

Linking Encoded Images to Databases/Marketing

In a further embodiment, an encoded image has data embedded therein andcan serve as a link to content, promotions or other information accessedfrom an image capturing device, a mobile handheld device such as amobile camera phone through the internet and/or through a wirelesscommunication network. The encoded image, when placed on a print mediumsuch as newspaper or magazine articles, advertisements, or corporate orproduct flyers, may function as a consumer tracking tool and informationexchange between the consumer and the merchant or advertiser. Theencoded image when placed in a personal identification medium such as abusiness card or shopping card or on personal property such as clothingor accessories, may serve as a consumer (user) initiated communicationdevice to permit an individual or merchant or company to access theuser's personal information such as a name or address, in exchange foran offer or to create electronic dialog.

In one embodiment, an encoded image may be electronically linked orreferenced to a mobile marketing campaign database which is comprised ofvarious functionalities.

A response logic module can include a set of steps or processes whichpermit specific content of the database to be returned or provided tothe consumer or user in a variety of methods. Further, the responselogic module may provide instant retrieval of the origination of theadvertisement or promotion (and specifics to it) or any other content orpromotional program, including message response types based on factorsincluding time, frequency, message type, duration, sampling, or anyother response means to enable simple to complex communication ofinformation to the consumer or user.

The campaign database may include a collection of data or content suchas text, presentation documents, audio, video, images, music or otherfiles or electronic information in various appropriate digital formatsor file types.

The campaign database may be web accessible by clients and individuals.For advertising clients, an interactive database interface can beprovided to enable management of mobile communications and direct mobilemarketing campaigns including message content, timing, frequency, scope,demographics, location, duration, games or promotions, and to analyzethe results of mobile marketing campaigns or activities by tracing thenumber of times that particular encoded images are received and decoded.

For individuals, an interactive database interface can be provided toenable creation of a register and personal profile, and further mayenable an individual to manage the message and content that is shared orcommunicated to others who capture/digitize the encoded image of theindividual. For instance, an individual person could provide links toinformation such as a personal message, phone number, address, photoand/or other digital messages contained in the database For individuals,the web accessible database can facilitate social networkingcommunications and relationships through encoded image used byindividuals. The individual determines to whom and what information iscommunicated, be it an another person or a company.

The campaign content database can, if desired, support layers ofresponses based on the integrity or quality of the image to be decoded.Due to variations in the quality of digital image capturing devices suchas digital cameras functioning as data input devices, as well asenvironmental factors, photographs or digital images of captured(digitized) encoded images may contain noise, blur or low contrast orother factors that limit ability to accurately represent the datacontained in the encoded image. In such cases, the campaign contentdatabase may seek to determine how much information is available andscale the response. This permits a range from low to high quality imageto be decoded through progressive or layered encoding/decoding schemes.

Various embodiments for a process of using an encoded image having anidentifiable mark for advertising and promotional purposes are describedin FIG. 16. FIG. 16 relates to providing a real time link or connectionbetween print medium and the internet and between merchants andconsumers.

In FIG. 16 at operation 180, a merchant may obtain one or more encodedimages (or groups of encoded images), for use in advertising or productpromotions. In one example, the merchant selects an encoded image thatthe merchant can utilize for a line of products, or can use across allproducts that the merchant offers. Or the merchant can select multipledifferent encoded images that it will use with various products orpromotions. In one example, the merchant may choose to use its logoencoded as the identifiable mark/anchor image of the encoded image.

At operation 182, an encoded image can be encoded with a data value inorder to create a uniquely encoded image. In one example, a singleencoded image encoded with a particular data value can be used by anadvertiser/merchant in an advertisement that is distributed such as in amagazine, newspaper, product label or other print or electronic media.By using a particularly encoded image with a particular advertisement,the merchant or advertiser can track consumer responses to thatadvertisement.

In one embodiment, the advertiser/merchant may purchase or acquire theencoded images from a company that provides such encoded images andmanages/tracks the use of such marks.

In another example, a family onset of encoded images is created. Thiscan be done, for instance, by encoding a single encoded image withvarious different data values to create a plurality of encoded imageshaving similar appearance but each having different encoded values. Eachuniquely encoded image can then be used in a different manner (i.e., indifferent advertising or marketing channels). The fact that each encodedimage has a similar appearance (but may have different encodings)permits the advertiser/merchant to use the set of encoded image in amanner akin to a trademark—a consumer may associate the appearance ofthe encoded image with a source (merchant, vendor, company, etc) of aproduct or service.

For instance, assume that a single encoded image is encoded with threedifferent numeric values to form three unique encoded images that areall similar in appearance. The first uniquely encoded image can be usedby a company/advertiser, for instance, in a particular magazineadvertisement. The second uniquely encoded image can be used by thecompany/advertiser, for instance, in a national newspaper advertisement.The third uniquely encoded image can be used by the company/advertiser,for instance, in an on-line internet coupon promotion/advertisement.Because each of the three encoded images has the same overallappearance, a consumer may associate the three encoded images with thecompany/advertiser, but because the three encoded images have differentvalues encoded therein, the company can use the encoded data (during adecoding process) to track the promotion associated with the encodedimage, or determine which advertising channels were more effective, orfor any other purpose.

For instance, FIG. 17 shows a FENDI™ boot advertisement 190 that has anencoded image 192 therein in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The encoded image 192 may be included as a visiblepart of the promotional material, visible to the consumer as shown inFIG. 17. In one embodiment, for example, the encoded image 192 maycomprise an identity image such as the FENDI™ logo, in association withan adjacent secondary image which functions to encode data, as discussedabove for FIG. 1.

The encoded images can help provide information to the merchant relatingto the specific advertisement, the geographical region the print mediumwas shipped to, the magazine or print medium which thepromotion/advertisement is placed, the location in the medium and thedate in which the advertisement was published and the date of thecaptured interest. In one example, an encoded image and its numericalvalue are unique to specific purpose of the advertiser. The encodedimage can be as general or specific as the merchant desires. Forexample, in FIG. 17, the encoded image 192 could include FENDI's generaltrademark for all print mediums that simply links consumers to their website, or the encoded image could include data related to an exactadvertisement in a specific volume or issue of a specific magazine.

An encoded image can be placed onto a multiple print mediums, such as aproduct label, printed advertisement, and/or product brochure or otherpromotion vehicles. Encoded images may also be incorporated into appareland accessories by various means and methods including but not limitedto silk screen, embroidery or other methods so as to create a linkingmechanism between people.

At operation 200 of FIG. 16, the encoded image is captured digitally,preferably by a mobile camera phone, by the consumer

At operation 202, once the consumer captures (photographs) the encodedimage referencing the merchant's product or service, the captured image(having the encoded image therein) is sent electronically by theconsumer via a wireless or direct connection to a designated address ordestination for posting and analysis, in one example, to provide realtime response to advertisers' promotional programs.

Once a consumer has digitized the encoded image via a mobile camera andsent it via electronic methods to a given address, World Wide Web site(URL), or a phone number, it becomes a validated sales lead. The encodedimage is then decoded (operation 206). Concurrently, if desired, aconfirming electronic message may be sent back to the consumer toconfirm receipt of the encoded image (operation 204).

Embodiments of the present invention may provide the customer a means ofexpressing interest in particular products/services and communicatingwireless and in real time his/her interest in said product/service. Thecommunication initiated by the customer creates for the advertiser anopportunity for targeted marketing with the customer. In one example,for the customer having sent the mark to the designated address orlocation, it creates an opportunity to opt into products or services ofwhich they have an interest.

In one example, an internet site to which a consumer is linked can actas a convenient tool for consumers to interact with merchants of theirchoosing: The site may offer personalized services to support theconsumer's shopping interests including promotional offers and a libraryof captured marks in one implementation.

At operation 206, the digitized image of the encoded image, after havingbeen sent electronically to the given electronic address, is read forimage analysis. The data embedded in encoded image is extracted andread, for instance, by digital image analysis software. In one example,the process of analyzing the encoded image and reading its contents mayinclude scanning individual pixels of the encoded image, and thereafterrecording and mapping the scanned results. Using decoding processes asdescribed herein, a numeric value can be extracted from the encodedimage and the numeric value can be used to form a unique data link.Characteristics of the encoded image and its pixels can be examined,including pixel color, hue, shade, size, density, relative and specificplacement of individual pixels and their characteristics relative to areference image/graph and other inherent characteristics. In oneimplementation, the camera phone may provide some or all of the decodingcommunication and analysis either independent of or in conjunction witha remote server.

In one example, the encoded data is linked or referenced to a mobilemarketing campaign database and response logic completing the merchantto consumer connection. A look up table contained within the databasemay include a collection of data (i.e., created when the merchantemploys an embodiment of the invention) to provide retrieval of theorigination of the advertisement or promotion and specifics to it or anyother content or promotional program including message response typesbased on factors including time, frequency, message type, duration,sampling, or any other response means to enable simple to complexcommunication of information to the consumer.

At operation 208, the encoded image and its encoded data are decodedinto numeric value that can be referenced to a look up table for thepurposes of tracking consumer interest and behavior. An example of alookup table is shown in FIG. 18. In one example, the lookup table maymap a received data value to a company, a product, a promotion, a printmedium, a vendor, publication date, a URL, or one or more actions. Forexample, a numeric value decoded at operation 208 could reference FENDI™in the lookup table. In addition, the table notes that the encoded imagewas used on a promotion for a new product in a magazine ad for Alluremagazine and may provide a link to the new product information in theform of a URL, which could be automatically loaded into the user's cellphone and the user's browser could be automatically directed to thatURL.

A tracking table 210 may also be provided as shown in FIG. 19. In oneexample, a tracking table may log a received data value, and also logthe total number of hits for this encoded value as well as otherstatistics such as hits per week, etc. This example shows different waysof using the mark to track and analyze a merchants advertising orpromotional campaign. The example of FIG. 17 (the FENDI™ advertisement)is in the top row of the lookup table of FIG. 18 and in the top row ofthe tracking table of FIG. 19. By using the data in the table of FIG.19, the merchant can track how many hits of the encoded image are sentto the site for this specific ad in a particular volume of a magazine,in one example. By tracking the date the encoded image was first used inan ad, a merchant can also track the active life span of theadvertisement, the date range of its activity and its lastingeffectiveness.

By the use of embodiments of the invention, a merchant using advertisingor other promotional mediums to promote and sell its products andservices can improve its marketing effectiveness with databases ofinformation (such as lookup tables and tracking tables) provided as aresult of the creation of the link between the merchant's printmarketing programs. In one example, the encoded image is small inproportion to the print medium, making it big enough to be recognized bya consumer, yet small enough so it does not distract from theadvertiser's message.

As recognized by the present inventors, other coding methods orsymbologies such as bar codes may be viewed as undesirable in certainprint mediums whether they are an advertisement, a corporate or productbrochure or other promotional medium. In contrast, an encoded image inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention can provide themerchant with a recognizable linking tool that does not adversely affectthe design of a marketing message or the overall promotionalpresentation being communicated.

In one example, the encoded image can include a logo or symbol of acompany that signifies to the consumer that the print medium iselectronically active and readable with a wireless digital images takingdevice through wireless communication protocols. In this way, theencoded image can become a standard, widely recognizable icon thatconsumers can recognize will activate a link to a merchant. The encodedimage can symbolize a link to the web and communicates to the customerthat the printed encoded image is in fact encoded and can be capturedthrough the use of a mobile device and sent to a web site for decoding,analysis and follow on response from the advertiser or other interestedparty.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, use of an encodedimage on printed media will make it possible for companies to assess theeffectiveness of their marketing programs by receiving exact feedback onadvertising and promotional plans via hits to a website or otherelectronic communication methods and counts. Further, merchants will beable to improve upon their marketing investment by knowing preciselywhich advertisement/promotions are yielding results.

At operation 220 in FIG. 16, information may be sent to the consumer andanother set of information may be sent to the merchant. For theconsumer, a URL web Link or other electronic message such as a text,video, audio or picture message that may contain a name, a number, or analphanumeric string or other data or information is sent to apredetermined web site and/or directly back to the consumer's wirelessdevice. If the encoded image for promotional use, consumer's can beautomatically entered in contests, added to mailing lists, be sent acode to be used as a coupon, or provided with other information orpromotions.

In one embodiment, the merchant is sent or has access to specificinformation 210 regarding the hits made by consumers using the encodedimage. The information can be amassed on a specific web site for instantreal time analysis or it can be sent to another web site or emailaddress.

At operation 222, a number of different communications can be initiatedbetween customer and merchant. The look up table 230 can be used toprovide a URL or other electronic message such as a SMS text or picturemessage that is either sent directly back to the consumer's web-enabledmobile device or is saved as a link in a webpage for the customer toreference at later time; the lookup table may provide for automaticpromotion entry or mailing list sign-up.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used for consumer driven orconsumer “opt in” mobile marketing campaigns, where the target user isthe consumer (or individuals in the case of person to personcommunications).

Social Networking

In another embodiment, encoded images may be used for a person to personcommunication tool in a social networking or business networkingenvironment. This process can be used to link individuals to oneanother, as shown in FIG. 20. People or users may register to have theirown unique identifiable mark or logo to be encoded to create encodedimages that are consumer friendly, highly flexible, encoded images thatcan be captured by friends, family, acquaintances, business colleagues,or any other individual seeking more information about that personwishing to socially interact. An encoded image can act as a method forindividuals to communicate to others their individual interests orhobbies. An encoded image or parts of the encoded image can be colorenhanced, or can include of every day icons such as astrologicals signor the face of a person. This enables an encoded image to reflect thepersonality of the individual.

An encoded image can be placed onto a multitude of mediums, such as alabel, printed document, a sticker or patch or any other item orpersonal property. An encoded image may also be incorporated intoapparel and personal accessories by various means and methods includingbut not limited to silkscreen, embroidery or other methods so as tocreate a linking mechanism between people. An encoded image can functionas a person to person communication tool to share information betweentwo or more parties.

FIG. 20 illustrates a process that can be used for person to personcommunications, for instance with the encoded image affixed to a personor a person's property for social networking.

People may register to have or obtain their own unique encoded imagesthat can be captured by friends, family, acquaintances, businesscolleagues, or any other individual seeking more information about thatperson and wishing to socially interact or to communicate individualinterests or hobbies. Encoded images can be color enhanced to furthersignify areas of interest or to offer greater personalization.

Information that can be contained in a person to person database forsocial networking could include contact information including name,address, phone number(s) email address, hobbies, other personalinformation and various web links that an individual may use, such aspersonal and business websites. A person might carry around theirpersonalized encoded image as a symbol imprinted on something they carrywith them, or they could have the encoded image placed on printedmaterials such as business cards, stickers, or other materials to giveto other persons. A person may have multiple personalized encoded imagesto communicate a variety of different information based on theirdesires.

In FIG. 20 at operation 240, a person may use an encoded image with dataencoding to provide a means to electronically communicate with anotherperson. In one example, an encoded image may be an astrological sign,favorite sports team, favorite band, or any identifiable mark or symbolthat connotes information that the person would like to convey. In oneexample, the person may choose any logo encoded as the encoded image

At operation 242, the encoded image may be printed on an individual'spersonalized mark creating a unique identity. In one example, theencoded image is printed on an individual's business card.

At operation 246, the encoded image is photographed or digitized byanother person using a digital image capturing device such as a mobilecamera phone. The digital image is sent via wireless or directconnection to a designated world wide web address for digital analysisin operation 248, with an electronic confirmation message (optional) atoperation 250. Digital image processing and analysis is performed,yielding data output at operation 252. A numeric value is extracted fromthe encoded image and referenced to a lookup table containing anindividual's information at operation 254.

The look up table (230 in FIG. 18) yields data that may be routed to therecipient's mobile phone to facilitate and complete the informationexchange in step 256. The information returned may be in the form of alink to a desired URL via email, text or picture mail, or voice enableddigital message to their mobile phone or device. In another embodiment,a person having an encoded image may associate desired personalinformation with the encoded value in the lookup table. In anotherembodiment, a person could have a plurality of different encoded images,each for different purposes, for example, one encoded image associatedwith data for business purposes, and another encoded image for socialpurposes (258).

In various embodiments, the encoded image could be dynamic. For example,a person could affix a personalized encoded image to a greeting card andspecialize the text associated with the encoded image for a particularpurpose through the data look up table. In another embodiment, the datapresented in the lookup table may be continually updated, such that auser who digitizes/captures the encoded image would receive updatedpersonalized information in return. In this way, an individual having anencoded image is able to quickly and conveniently share personalizedinformation with one or more people.

Encoded images can be read with existing technology, such as in digitalcameras or scanners, modified to have the basic decoding operationsdescribed herein. Because the decoding methods may use a reference graphor reference image, tolerances can be measured and controlled based onthe level of technology of the scanner or digital camera. As digitalcameras and scanners get to higher and higher resolutions, the number ofdigits that can be encoded in an image may grow.

Use of embodiments of the present invention can be expandable as digitalimage analysis techniques and mobile camera phone image qualityadvances. As mobile camera phone digital cameras achieve higherresolutions, camera lenses improve, auto-focus becomes widely availableas well as other camera imaging improvements, the amount of informationor digits that can be encoded in an encoded image will increase.

The encoded images may be formed using other images that incorporate thefeatures as disclosed herein and may also be formed such as disclosed inU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/862,208 entitled “Encoding andDecoding Data into an Image Using Identifiable Marks and EncodedElements,” filed on Oct. 19, 2006, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described and shownwith encoded images having one primary image, it is understood thatencoded images could be formed with multiple primary images if desired.One or more secondary images could also be used to form an encodedimage.

It should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplaryembodiments of the invention, various features of the invention aresometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, ordescription thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure andaiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventiveaspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed inventions require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, and each embodimentdescribed herein may contain more than one inventive feature.

Embodiments of the invention can be embodied in a computer programproduct. It will be understood that a computer program product includingfeatures of the present invention may be created in a computer usablemedium (such as a CD-ROM or other medium) having computer readable codeembodied therein. The computer usable medium preferably contains anumber of computer readable program code devices configured to cause acomputer to affect the various functions required to carry out theinvention, as herein described.

While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown withreference to particular operations performed in a particular order, itwill be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided,or re-ordered to form equivalent methods without departing from theteachings of the present invention. Accordingly, unless specificallyindicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not alimitation of the present invention.

It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “one example” or “an example”means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment may be included, if desired, in atleast one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it should beappreciated that two or more references to “an embodiment” or “oneembodiment” or “an alternative embodiment” or “one example” or “anexample” in various portions of this specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined as desired inone or more embodiments of the invention.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various other changes in the form and details may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A printed medium having an encoded image printed thereon, the encoded image including a value encoded therein and comprising: a primary image, wherein the primary image is associated with at least a portion of the value; a secondary marketing image associated with a url, wherein the value is referenced to at least a marketing database and an associated social networking environment; and wherein the value further enables communication through the social networking environment; and wherein the encoded image is adapted to be captured by an image capture device.
 2. The printed medium of claim 1, wherein the social networking environment is a peer-to-peer social networking environment.
 3. The printed medium of claim 2, wherein the peer-to-peer social networking environment is selected from facebook, myspace, linkedin, instagram, and youtube.
 4. The printed medium encoded image of claim 1, wherein the primary image includes an image related to a product.
 5. The printed medium of claim 1, wherein the image capture device converts the encoded image to a digital image.
 6. The printed medium of claim 5, wherein the digital image is sent to a designated world wide web site for digital analysis.
 7. The printed medium of claim 1, wherein the social networking environment is referenced to an individual's personal information.
 8. The printed medium of claim 1, wherein the value further enables person-to-person communication through the social networking environment.
 9. The printed medium of claim 1, wherein the primary image comprises an image related to a social networking platform.
 10. A method of encoding an image with a value, comprising: providing a primary image to a user, the primary image being a human readable logo and the primary image associated with a portion of the value; a secondary marketing image associated with a url, referencing the value to at least a marketing database and an associated social networking environment; enabling person-to-person communication through the social networking environment.
 11. The method of encoding an image with a value of claim 10 further comprising digitizing the primary image.
 12. The method of encoding an image with a value of claim 11 further comprising sending the digitized image to a designated world wide web site.
 13. The method of encoding an image with a value of claim 12 further comprising analyzing the digitized image through the designated world wide web site.
 14. The method of encoding an image with a value of claim 11 further comprising sending a confirming electronic message to an individual initiating the digitizing of the primary image.
 15. The method of encoding an image with a value of claim 11 further comprising directing the user to a url associated with the social networking environment.
 16. The method of encoding an image with a value of claim 15 wherein the user is directed to the url via a message selected from an email, an SMS text message, a picture mail, and a voice enabled message.
 17. A system for social networking and communication comprising: an image capture device; a printed medium having an encoded image printed thereon, the encoded image including a value encoded therein, the encoded image comprising: a primary image, wherein the primary image is associated with at least a portion of the value; a secondary marketing image, wherein the value is associated with a url that directs the user to a web page associated with the secondary marketing image wherein the value is referenced to at least a marketing database and an associated social networking environment; and wherein the value further enables communication through the social networking environment.
 18. The system for social networking and communication of claim 17, wherein the image capture device is a digital camera.
 19. The system for social networking and communication of claim 17, wherein the image capture device is a scanner.
 20. A printed medium comprising: an encoded image printed thereon, the encoded image including a value encoded therein; a secondary marketing image wherein the value is associated with a web page associated with the secondary marketing image wherein the value is referenced to at least a marketing database and an associated social networking environment; and wherein the value further enables communication through the social networking environment; and wherein the encoded image is adapted to be captured by an image capture device.
 21. The printed medium of claim 20, wherein the social networking environment is a peer-to-peer social networking environment.
 22. The printed medium of claim 21, wherein the peer-to-peer social networking environment is selected from facebook, myspace, linkedin, instagram, and youtube.
 23. The printed medium encoded image of claim 20, wherein the primary image includes an image related to a product. 